GOSPELCONNOISSEUR.COM SALUTE TO BLACK MUSIC MONTH

“Being a singer is a natural gift. It means, I’m using the highest degree possible, the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.” (Aretha Franklin)

Aretha Franklin is not only the definitive female soul singer, but one of the most influential and important voices in the history of popular music. More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged. The voice is instantly recognizable for there is truly no other voice like it. A national treasure, a voice that has brought joy to countless millions the world over.

Aretha is one of the most honored artists by the Grammy Awards, with 20 Grammys to date. She has scored a total of 20 #1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Charts. In 2008, the American music magazine Rolling Stone ranked her #1 on its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time and in 1987, she became the first female artist to be entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aretha Franklin’s music cuts across generations, appealing to longtime fans as well as young admirers who are discovering why Aretha is so frequently mentioned as a major musical influence by such artists as Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott,Faith Evans, and Kelly Price Her classic hits have been featured in countless movies and television shows and in concert, Aretha’s powerhouse performances continue to elicit rave reviews and sold-out shows.

There are so many great gospel tunes Aretha has performed over the years, but I chose “Higher Ground” from her “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” CD. They were having some good-down-home “chu’ch”.  Rev. Jaspar Williams is accompanying Aretha on this song.   Enjoy the clip!